The 1-2 Chicago Bears will play the 1-2 Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in a Week 4 matchup. Here’s what you need to know before kickoff (3:25 p.m., CBS-Ch. 2).
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5 things to watch — plus our Week 4 predictions
For all the Raiders offensive line’s shortcomings in the run game, they’re a monster in protection.
QB Geno Smith has the longest time to throw (3.2 seconds) among qualifiers this season, according to Next Gen Stats. Meanwhile, the Bears’ average time to pressure is 3.06 seconds, third-worst.
Not good.
Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, who coached the Oakland Raiders from 2012-14, said Smith has speedy receivers and an “exceptional tight end” in Brock Bowers at his disposal. Read more here.
- 3 things we learned from Bears practice, including being wary of ‘relentless’ edge rusher Maxx Crosby
- What we learned from the Bears, including a potential new starter at right tackle in Week 4
- Bears Q&A: Will Ryan Poles seek running back help? How about more snaps for Luther Burden III?
Can Tyrique Stevenson step up and be the No. 1 corner the Bears need?
This could be a crucial stretch for Tyrique Stevenson, who is best known as the player who was gesturing at the crowd and not paying attention when Jayden Daniels’ Hail Mary began last year against the Commanders. That play, of course, marked the beginning of the end for the 2024 Bears, who went on to lose 10 straight games. Stevenson apologized after the game and spent days — if not weeks — answering questions about that one play.
All eyes will be on Stevenson for however long cornerback Jaylon Johnson is sidelined. He’s in the third year of his four-year rookie contract. He’ll be eligible to begin discussing an extension at the end of this season. General manager Ryan Poles and coach Ben Johnson need to begin thinking about whether Stevenson is a part of their long-term plans.
This stretch could go a long way toward determining their feelings on the matter. Read more here.
- Bears CB Jaylon Johnson will have groin surgery — but it’s possible he’ll return this season
- Column: While analyzing each Bears game in a vacuum, a long view of the rebuilding effort is required
What Caleb Williams can build on from his Week 3 performance
Bears quarterback Caleb Williams had his best game of the season in a 31-14 win over the Cowboys. He threw for 298 yards and four touchdowns — earning him NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors.
He threw a 65-yard flea-flicker to Luther Burden III for a touchdown and a 35-yard TD to Rome Odunze. He also connected with DJ Moore and Cole Kmet on scoring passes.
Here’s a look back at what went well and what the Bears believe Williams can build off from the Week 3 victory. Read more here.
- The Wieners Circle hands out free hot dogs — and insults — for Caleb Williams’ 4 TD passes
- Caleb Williams named NFC Offensive Player of the Week after 4-TD game in Bears win
- Ben Johnson’s 1st win with Bears — and Caleb Williams throws for 4 TDs: Brad Biggs’ 10 thoughts on Week 3
A Red Grange Bears jersey from 1930s will be 1st put up for auction
A century ago, three-time All-American Harold Edward “Red” Grange abruptly left the University of Illinois to don the navy and orange of the Chicago Bears. In October, a jersey from the “Galloping Ghost’s” Hall of Fame NFL tenure will be open for bids. It’s believed to be the only jersey from Grange’s nine-season career ever offered at public auction.
The cream-colored road jersey worn by Grange circa 1933-34 — with navy and orange stripes on the sleeves and “77” in felt letters on the front and back — will be auctioned by Christie’s on Oct. 22 as part of “American greats: Vintage sports and Hollywood from the Dr. G.B. Espy collection.” Read more here.